Home decoration is rarely complete without plaster - a time-tested and effective coating, the demand for which has only grown over the years. But all stages of plastering require significant physical effort, so the productivity of doing it manually is not high. As a result of constant improvements in finishing technologies, not only ready-made dry mixes have been developed that simplify preparation plaster mortar, but also equipment for applying plaster to the base mechanically.

The advent of mechanical methods of plastering has greatly facilitated the work of finishers, but customers often have a logical question: is it better or better? the worst side This type of finishing differs from a hand-made finish. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of this technology compared to in the classic way plastering, the characteristics of which are widely known.

Equipment for mechanized plastering

There are several types of mechanical plastering devices, all of them are designed to apply mortar to the base and work according to general principle– the plaster composition is supplied from one or more nozzles. But the design differences between these types of equipment determine individual operating rules and performance.

Pneumatic devices

This group of mechanical plastering equipment includes cartouche guns and pneumatic buckets (shovels, hoppers) - portable units that use the energy of a stream of compressed air.

A cartouche gun operates on the following principle: a compressor supplies its nozzle with high-pressure air, and at the same time, a solution from the tank enters the air channel from above. A stream of air captures the solution and carries it through a nozzle, which shapes the direction and intensity of applying the mixture to the surface - removable nozzles different diameters and bell profiles are designed for a specific consistency and grain size plaster composition. To apply liquid mixtures, use nozzles with a funnel angle at the outlet of 15-20°, for thick mixtures - at least 30°.

A cartouche gun and a pneumatic bucket are similar to each other in design and principle of operation - both work from air compressor with a power of 5-6 atm., but there are differences between them:

1. The pistols have one nozzle with a set of removable nozzles various diameters, pneumatic buckets have 2-4 nozzles, but they are not adjustable - you can only change the distance from the tool to the wall;
2. The capacity of the consumable tank of a cartouche gun is less than that of a pneumatic bucket (3-5 l versus 5-8 l);
3. In addition to plastering, the gun can be used for priming, painting, applying adhesive compositions and self-leveling floor coverings, and a pneumatic bucket - for the installation of decorative textured cladding;
4. The performance of a pneumatic bucket is higher; you can make it yourself.

Pneumopaths are manufactured in two varieties - wall and ceiling. They differ only in the angle of inclination of the tank to the axis of the handle - it is made in such a way that the solution does not overflow over the walls of the tank in a convenient working position of the unit.

Special compounds are produced for mechanical plaster, but cartouche guns and pneumatic shovels are designed to work with conventional mixtures - gypsum and cement, industrially made and homemade. However, it should be borne in mind that when using homemade solutions, the sand must be sifted to remove debris and filler fractions larger than 2 mm.

The composition for cartouche pistols and pneumatic buckets is mixed by the performer separately - these units do not participate in the preparation of the mixture. During the finishing process, the worker periodically loads the tank with solution - he simply scoops it out of the tub, which takes a matter of seconds, and a 5-liter portion of the mixture is also consumed very quickly - in 5-6 seconds.

The production of plaster mortar using a pneumatic shovel ranges from 1 to 5 m3 of mortar per hour, while the productivity in terms of finishing area depends on the thickness of the applied layer, but in any case it is 2-3 times higher than the speed of finishing according to the classical method. hand technology.

Taking into account the difference in specific gravity, application with a pneumatic bucket cement mixtures performed 1.5-2 times slower than plaster.

Advantages of pneumatic devices:

1. Ease of use (regarding application of the solution);
2. High performance;
3. High-quality filling of pores on the surface;
4. Small volume of solution waste.

Flaws:

1. Significant weight of the device with a full tank;
2. High cost of a set of equipment.

Cost of pneumatic plastering equipment

Electric units for machine plastering

This group of equipment includes plastering stations - portable and stationary. To repair an apartment or house, the power of portable installations is abundant; stationary ones are used over large areas in capital construction.

For plastering with such equipment, gypsum and cement ready-made dry mixtures are used, intended for machine application or universal, as indicated on their packaging. These materials contain optimizing additives that take into account the nuances of mechanical plastering, so the use of conventional mixtures worsens the quality of the coating and reduces the service life of the installation.

The plastering station consists of the following units:

1. Receiving hopper for dry mixture, equipped with an auger;
2. Tank for mixing the solution with a dosed supply of water;
3. Water supply system connected to a dispenser in the tank;
4. Electric pump and solution supply system;
5. Controller

To operate, the station is connected to the electrical network and water supply. The dry composition is loaded into the receiving hopper, from where, by rotating the auger, it is directed into the mixing tank, into which water is also supplied. The solution is mixed using a mixing spiral, after which ready-made composition enters the pump, which pushes it into the supply hose. At the outlet of the sleeve, the mixture under pressure forms a jet, which allows the solution to be applied directionally to the base. The productivity of such equipment is 1-5 m3/hour.

Advantages of plastering stations:

1. High finishing speed – 20-30 m2/hour;
2. Low labor intensity of work;
3. Lower prices compared to manual finishing.

Flaws:

1. Requires 2-3 people to participate;
2. The process is dependent on electricity and water in the system - turning them off risks solidifying the solution in the unit.

During operation plastering station It is necessary to have a portable generator in stock and alternative source water.

Results

Plastering using pneumatic devices cannot be called an easy job - holding a gun or a ladle with several liters of solution suspended and applying the mixture evenly on the base from a fixed distance is difficult. But compared to manual plastering, this execution is still physically easier, and technically simpler - it does not require professional plasterer skills. By selecting the optimal distance to the surface in the first seconds of work, you can apply the solution without sticking, which is typical for manual plastering.

In addition, the productivity of this method is several times higher than the traditional version, so some of the physical effort is justified. The high speed of plastering not only reduces the duration of the process, but also brings the base closer to readiness for further finishing - the sooner the plastering is completed, the sooner it will mature.

As for the quality of the coating. The method of preparing the solution is the same for both pneumatic application and manual application, therefore the main requirement for both methods is to follow the instructions for using the mixture. Applying the mixture with a pneumatic tool ensures the coating is monolithic, as it does not leave cavities in it. But in high-quality hand-made plaster, the presence of cavities is so insignificant that it does not affect the characteristics of the coating.

When comparing manual finishing and station plastering, the difference in performance is also immediately apparent. Comparing prices makes machine plastering even more attractive:

However, savings are real only when finishing large areas. The “crew” of a plastering station consists of two or three people, among whom the earnings are divided, so the contractor is forced to inflate prices for small volumes. But in a situation where repair small apartment limited time frame, the higher price of machine plastering for a small volume justifies itself.

Conclusion

The main advantage of mechanized plaster over manual plaster is the high speed of execution, which significantly reduces repair time in general, especially on large objects, for example, in a private house. Considering that plastering is a dirty job, speeding up its execution is especially desirable. As for the quality of the coating, the use of mechanical devices is not a panacea for defects. If the master does not have the appropriate qualifications and conscientiousness, the coating will be poor in any method of execution.

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Any plaster, classical or decorative, can be applied by two methods - machine and manual. Many people find it difficult to choose one method or another. After all, both methods have their own characteristics and advantages.

First of all, it is worth mentioning the main difference between machine-applied plaster and a composition applied manually - the former uses additives that allow the solution to be used in plastering stations. Such additives allow you to automate the application process, as they prevent the plaster from sticking to the working surfaces of the unit. Thanks to this, it is possible to reduce the number of workers, save time, and also increase the efficiency of mixture application activities.

Application of machine plaster can only be offered by a company that has a plastering station at its disposal. The prepared solution is applied to the surface using a hose with an appropriate tip. Leveling the applied layer of plaster is done manually. The main advantage of machine plastering is the speed of completion of all work: experienced master able to process 20-45 sq.m of surface per shift using this method.

Thanks to its high performance, machine plaster It's cheaper than a manual one, but not by much. After all, a specialist working at a plastering station earns more per shift than an ordinary plasterer working manually: good qualifications are worth good money. In addition, the cost of depreciation or rental of expensive equipment, as well as its transportation, repair, purchase of spare parts, etc. cannot be discounted. As a result, the machine application method is used in cases where it is necessary to plaster large surfaces with a small number of niches and openings (for example, building facades).

Unlike machine technology, the manual application method involves the use of classic tools - a spatula and a trowel. Hand plastering takes longer to apply than machine plastering: during a shift, a master will be able to plaster only 5-7 square meters of surface. Therefore, this method is used for indoors small area or for areas with a significant number of protruding and curved architectural elements- columns, niches, arches, etc.

The types of materials used for plastering surfaces also vary depending on the working conditions. For building facades, various types of facade plaster mixtures with increased water-repellent and thermal insulation properties. For interior decoration premises exist plaster mixtures on a gypsum basis. In addition, there are numerous types decorative plasters, used both inside and outside buildings. And the most budget-friendly solution is to plaster surfaces with a cement-sand mixture. Anyway

Any type of plastering, classical or decorative, can be done manually or by machine. Both of these technologies have their own characteristics, so even among specialists there are different opinions about which method is better. Let's look at the difference between machine-applied plaster and hand-applied plaster.

Key differences and similarities

1. Composition of the preliminary preparatory work is the same in both technologies. True, machine-applied plaster will require the installation of guide beacons with a pitch of ≤ 1 m, and hand plastering allows long distances.
2. The difference between machine-applied and hand-applied plasters lies in the composition of the mixture used. For the first, components are added to the solution to allow its use in a plastering station. These additives prevent the mixture from sticking to the working surfaces of the plastering unit and allow you to automate the processes of preparing, mixing and laying the solution. This mixture is cheaper.
3. To manually apply the mortar, only classic tools are used (plaster ladle, trowel, spatulas). And for mechanical spraying you need a plastering station, supply hoses and tips in the form of nozzles or a semi-automatic machine, in which the mixture is poured into a tank with manual mixing, and the solution is supplied through a hose using a compressor and a cartouche gun.
4. The difference between plasters when applied by machine is that the most physically difficult operations are performed; the preparation of the solution and spraying on the surface to be plastered is mechanized. This leads to high productivity (several times higher than with manual technology) and the ability to reduce the composition of the work team.
5. Sketching a solution by hand is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The solution, due to its rapid hardening, is prepared in small portions, which further increases the time it takes to complete the work. In addition, plastering is carried out in several layers, the subsequent ones are laid after the previous ones have been leveled and when they begin to set. Under these conditions, it is almost impossible to prepare the entire solution with the same consistency. As a result of this technology, uneven drying of the plaster occurs, leading to a high probability of subsequent cracks and unevenness. Becomes necessary putty. The mechanical method allows the mortar to be laid in one thick layer. The mixture, constantly stirring, becomes homogeneous. Pressure feed mortar mixtures provides a tight fit without voids, which reduces the risk of peeling and cracking. The walls are characterized by good evenness and smoothness, which allows wallpapering without further finishing.
6. The consumption of machine-applied plaster is less due to its uniform distribution over the surface and the saturation of the solution with air bubbles, which increases its volume.
7. When machine plastering external walls one-story buildings no need for forests.
8. The cost of performing work with manual plastering is higher.

Both technologies require professional execution, only experienced specialists will ensure proper quality. The choice is yours.

Plaster is one of the most popular types finishing works. Traditionally, it was done manually, which took quite a lot of physical effort and time. That's it now more people leans towards machine plastering, which is carried out using special equipment - a plastering station. So what is better, machine plastering or hand plastering?

Some consider hand plastering to be a more controlled process than mechanical application. Accordingly, the quality of hand-made plaster is better. However, this opinion is incorrect and to be convinced of this, you need to understand the features of both types of plaster.

The mixture for hand plastering hardens very quickly, and the work itself takes a lot of time. This means that the solution must be prepared in small portions constantly, and this complicates and increases the duration of the process. In addition, it is very difficult to apply a solution of the same consistency to large surfaces at the same time. Even experienced specialists first apply a layer and then level it, which invariably entails uneven drying, and as a result, the possible formation of cracks and unevenness. Machine plastering allows you to cover large area, processing it simultaneously. Mixing the components for the solution, constantly maintaining its consistency, and supplying it to the surface occur automatically in the plastering station. Plastering is done over a large area, which allows you to use a rule or a wide spatula for subsequent leveling, as a result of which the layer is smooth and has no differences in density.

If you are still in doubt about whether you need machine or hand plastering, then there is one more argument in favor of the first. Mixtures for mechanized plaster have a lower cost and provide less consumption during operation. When calculating the estimate, the cost of materials and work is immediately included in it, so there can be no additional expenses. To perform machine plastering, you do not have to hire a large team of builders; only two workers are enough. After machine plastering, there is no need to putty the surfaces, which provides additional cost savings.

Applying machine plaster

The answer to the question what is best for internal surfaces premises, machine plastering or manual, the obvious one is machine plastering. It is used indoors for various purposes– residential, industrial, commercial, office, etc. Only with the help of specialized equipment can you obtain perfectly smooth and beautiful walls in a short time, as well as finishing facades and external surfaces. There is no stress in its inner layer, therefore the appearance of cracks or shrinkage is excluded. To apply plaster, a unit is used that is connected to the water supply and electrical network to automatically mix the dry mortar and water and maintain its consistency throughout the entire work. Guide beacons are installed on the surface. Through a hose, the mixture is supplied to the walls under high pressure in an even layer between the beacons. At this time, the second worker levels the applied layer of plaster manually using a wide rule. After the plaster has dried, begin its final leveling.

Machine plastering or hand plastering - both types of this finishing require skills and abilities. Therefore, such work should be performed by professionals, since only specialists can provide high results.

Plaster – universal method preparing walls for decorative finishing. Today, for such work, many compounds are used, which are quite difficult to apply manually. To speed up this process many professionals use automated devices. This approach has many nuances and advantages that you need to learn about in advance.

Peculiarities

Mechanical plaster is a relatively new method applying mortar to the walls. It is based on the use special devices, capable of supplying the mixture under a certain pressure through special pipelines.

Technically, this procedure involves the use of different types of engines and compressors.

But the quality of application to walls mechanically depends on several criteria:

• Surface adhesion. Some types of walls cannot be covered with plaster without preliminary preparation. Concrete, brick or walls made of various types of gas blocks are perfect for such work.
• Consistency of the solution. This factor is one of the most important. The mixture should not be too thick, as this will increase the load on the engines and may lead to their failure.

Machine application is much better than hand plastering.

If you use the classical approach, it takes a relatively long time. Wherein old plaster is already drying while the new one has not yet gained strength.

Using automatic application, you can obtain a layer of solution that is almost identical in condition, which is much easier to work with in the future.

Mechanized plaster is a universal approach that allows you to process various types of surfaces:

• walls and ceiling;
• door or window slopes;
• decorative arches;
• external walls of buildings.

Machine processing is a universal way to obtain a high-quality surface in a relatively short time.

Advantages and disadvantages

Today, mechanized plasters are gradually replacing manual application of mortars. This is due to several significant advantages of such work:

• High performance. The modern market represents automatic devices that can use at least 1 cubic meter. m of solution per hour. Depending on the thickness of the layer, you can easily plaster walls up to 40-60 m2 in one shift.
• Application quality. Plaster “guns” apply mortar much better than conventional scooping. Initially, the surface is almost flat and requires only minor adjustments, which can also be done by automated systems.

• Formation of strong adhesion between the solution and the base. This is achieved due to the uniform distribution of layers and a uniform supply rate of the solution. With this approach, the solution can penetrate almost all the cracks, filling them almost completely. Achieve this with manual methods almost impossible.
• Relatively low costs. Several people can apply the mixture. To achieve such productivity manually, it would be necessary to increase the number of workers several times, which would greatly affect financial costs.

• Reduced plastering costs. This is achieved due to the fact that the mixture lies evenly on the wall. Almost all of the product is used for its intended purpose, allowing you to cover a much larger area than with a manual approach. According to user reviews using automatic devices you can reduce consumption by about 1.5 times.
• Relatively low cost of plasters. This indicator may differ depending on the manufacturer and the structure of the wall surface on which the compounds are applied.
• No puttying. The cement mortar fills all the cracks well, which eliminates the need for pre-treatment of the walls.

Using a mechanical approach when applying plasters allows you to simplify repair tasks. But mechanized plaster is not a universal method, as it has several significant disadvantages:

• High cost of equipment. Therefore, in domestic construction this method is quite rare. But if you are engaged in this activity professionally, then the tool will pay for itself very quickly. For one-time plastering, it is better to hire specialists who already have all the necessary equipment.
• High device performance requires constant supply of water and mixtures. Therefore, it is advisable to have a water connection so as not to stop the process halfway.
• Strict adherence to recommendations when preparing mixtures. If you decide to add some kind of admixture yourself, then there is no guarantee that the device will be able to effectively apply the resulting solution.

Modern mechanized devices for applying plasters are universal solution. This led to their widespread use in many construction sites, where wall processing can be carried out at several points at once.

Mixtures

The main parameter on which the quality of the treated surface depends is the plaster mixture. Conventionally, they can be divided into dry and wet. The second type of product is used by large construction companies. They are already purchasing ready mixture, which is delivered to them by concrete mixers. But the main ones on the market today are dry mixtures, which allow you to create plaster yourself.

Depending on the composition, dry products can be divided into 2 large groups:

Unique property Gypsum plasters have a high drying rate.

This allows you to obtain a high-quality surface for decorative finishing within a few days after application.

The mixtures have high porosity, reducing solution consumption several times compared to cement compositions. When applied using automatic devices, it is possible to obtain almost perfect flat surface, requiring minimal processing.

• Cement-sand plasters. Universal mixtures that can be applied to almost any surface. Since the substance tolerates temperature changes and exposure to water well, many people use it to decorate the facades of houses.

If you are planning to build a swimming pool, then this type of plaster will also be the best option.

The modern market offers many types of dry and semi-dry mixtures. Among all this diversity, several popular brands should be highlighted:

"Prospectors"

A gypsum-based mixture characterized by high adhesive properties. Intended for application on Various types surfaces, among which brick, concrete and foam block are optimal.

Among positive qualities You can highlight the ability of the solution to allow air to pass through and retain heat inside the house.

The manufacturer indicates that the composition can be used as finishing mixtures.

"Osnovit"

Another representative of gypsum plasters, perfect for interior decoration. The fine-grained structure of the components allows the solutions to be applied to the walls in a layer about 1 cm thick. In this case, the product consumption will not exceed 9 kg/m2. The plaster is suitable for treating walls and ceilings.

The material also has high vapor permeability and good thermal insulation characteristics.

"Knauf"

The company is one of the leaders in the production of finishing mixtures various surfaces. It should be noted gypsum plasters, which contain various polymer impurities.

Among the features of the material are high plasticity, as well as adhesion to various surfaces.

The color range of mixtures includes not only gray, but also pink shades.

"Volma"

One of the leaders domestic production. Produces high-quality gypsum plasters for mechanical application.

Products by technical specifications practically not inferior to the products of the previous manufacturer. Among the features of plaster is its rapid drying.

The manufacturer claims that you can start grouting the walls after 4 hours after application.

After this treatment, the surface is ready for painting or wallpapering. The outer layer is practically indistinguishable from bases coated with special putty compounds.

Please note that almost no one produces cement-based mixtures. Technically, this is not necessary, since such plaster is quite easy to obtain. It is necessary to mix high-quality sand and cement in certain proportions to obtain the desired consistency of the solution.

Equipment

Plaster is applied using special mechanized devices. Depending on the method of supplying the solution, they can be divided into 2 main groups:

• Screw apparatus. The main element of the system is a screw, which is capable of capturing the solution and moving it in a certain direction. These machines can be compared to classic meat grinders. But they are distinguished by great power and performance. A hose is connected to this system, which is supplied to the point of work.
• Pneumatic devices- it's relative simple designs. The main tool here is the hopper (bucket), to which the hose is connected compressed air. Spraying is carried out due to the high speed of gas, which pushes the solution through one or more holes. The disadvantage of this device is that the plaster must be prepared separately and in large quantities at once. Some devices are not convenient and practical. Therefore, their use is justified for domestic conditions.

All of these devices can be used to apply the mixture to walls or floors.

Let us consider in more detail the principle of operation of the screw apparatus:

• The solution is poured into a special mixing compartment. Please note that you can use both already prepared products and individual components. The amount of liquid and all other products must exactly correspond to the recommendations of the manufacturer or specialists.
• The system then delivers these components inside the mixer. Mixing occurs inside it over a certain period of time.
• When the composition is ready, it is captured by the auger and fed into the hose. There is created high pressure, causing the solution to move towards the exit. Once on the sprayer, the plaster comes out at a certain speed and sticks to the base.

Please note that all these processes are fully automated, and the operator only needs to connect a water hose to the system and timely fill in the components of the future solution.

Today on the market there are several popular branded mechanisms for applying plasters:

• Knauf. The machines of this company are compact. Their main purpose is to apply plaster. But they can also be used for painting.
• Bottlenose dolphin. A striking representative of this brand can be considered the ShM-30 model, which can work with various types solutions. Therefore, with its help you can not only plaster walls or ceilings, but also fill floors.

• UShM-150– a small mechanism for plastering, which is recommended for use when it is necessary to level the bases. Some modifications can also work with paints.
• PFT Ritmo– modern device, which can be used even in small rooms. The system is versatile, since it is intended not only for plastering, but also for puttying or painting.

Application process

Operating automated machines is a relatively simple operation.

The technology for applying plaster using such devices consists of the following successive steps:

• Surface preparation. Solutions must be applied to relatively clean substrates. It is advisable to begin preparation by removing deck grease, assembly adhesive and concrete sagging.
• It is important that they do not form protrusions greater than 1 cm in height. All brick and aerated concrete walls Needs additional primer. For this, experts recommend using deep penetration mixtures.
• If there are many cracks on the surface of the base, then they must be additionally reinforced metal mesh. This should be done in accordance with the recommendations of specialists.

• Installation of beacons. They are needed to get a perfectly flat surface in one plane. This procedure begins with assessing the quality of the wall base. You can find out deviations using a string and a long level.
• Having determined the maximum height of the protrusion on a specific plane, all beacons should be attached. They are fixed using the same solution. To do this, several point tubercles are placed on the surface, to which the beacon is attached.
• Equipment adjustment. If you are using a regular hopper, then you only need to prepare the solution correctly. In the case of automatic machines, you must first set the required percentage of the components to be mixed. Some models provide the ability to change and productivity.